Mailbox display system

ABSTRACT

A display system for use with a mailbox. The display system has a housing having a display area. The display system also has a display panel operatively connected to the display area and a light source to illuminate the display area. The housing is operatively connected to the mailbox.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mailboxes are frequently placed along side of roadway or aside homes.They provide a convenient means for residents to deposit and retrievemail. Mailboxes tend to be relatively non-functional and unsightly.Though they may feature an occupant's address, they offer little otherinformation that may be of use to the resident or passers by. There is along-felt need for an improved means to display information on amailbox.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above advantages as well as other advantages not specificallyenumerated are achieved by a display system for use with a mailbox. Thedisplay system has a housing having a display area. The display systemalso has a display panel operatively connected to the display area and alight source to illuminate the display area. The housing is operativelyconnected to the mailbox.

There is also provided a method of displaying a message. The methodincludes providing a display system secured to a mailbox and providing adisplay panel operatively connected to the display system. The displaypanel displays the message.

There is also provided a display system for use with a mailbox. Thedisplay system has a housing having a display area and a first displaypanel operatively connected to the display area. The display system hasa second display panel operatively connected to the display area and alight source to illuminate the display area. The housing is operativelyconnected to the mailbox.

Various advantages of this invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a mailbox having a display systemin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mailbox having the display system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front end view of the mailbox having a display system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a is a controller for use with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of the display systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the display system of FIG. 1 FIG. 7 is a bottomplan view of the display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional end view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 ofthe display system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of an alternateembodiment of the invention having two plates on a slanted orientationcompared to FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a prior art schematic for use with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a prior art schematic for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preliminarily, it should be noted that certain terms used herein, suchas top, bottom, above and below and the like are used to facilitate thedescription of the invention. Unless otherwise specified or madeapparent by the context of the discussion, such terms and otherdirectional terms should be interpreted with reference to the figure(s)under discussion. Such terms are not intended as a limitation on theposition in which the invention or components may be used. Indeed, it iscontemplated that the components of the invention may be positioned in awide variety of desired orientations. Likewise, numerical terms are notintended as a limitation or to imply a sequence, unless otherwisespecified or made apparent by the context of the discussion.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8a display system, indicated generally at 16, according to the invention.The display system 16 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 is securedto a mailbox 24 by a bracket 28. The illustrated display system 16includes two solar panels 32 a,b on a top wall 36 of the housing 20. Thenumber of solar panels employed is not a limitation of the invention—anysuitable number of solar panels may be employed. The display system 16also features an alert light 40. The illustrated bottom wall 44 of thehousing 20 includes five openings 48 a,b,c,d,e. The openings 48a,b,c,d,e are useful to secure the housing 20 to a top portion 52 of themailbox 24.

The mailbox 24 may include a latch 56 to selectively maintain a door 60in a closed position. The mailbox 24 may include a flag 64. The flag 64is movably mounted to the mailbox 24 as a communication means. Forexample, the flag 64 may be used to indicate whether the mailbox 24 iseither empty or contains an object, such as for example mail to beretrieved. The flag 64 is shown secured to a side portion 68 of themailbox 24.

The housing 20 of the display system 16 includes a first bracket 68 anda second bracket 72. The term “bracket” is understood to include anynumber of structures characterized by one or more members that generallyproject from a structure and is usually designed to support a verticalload. The first bracket 68 and the second bracket 72 are positioned onopposing sides of the housing 20. The first bracket 68 includes a toparm 68 a and a bottom arm 68 b. The second bracket 72 includes a top arm72 a and a bottom arm 72 b.

The first bracket 68 is adapted to receive a first plate 76 a [shown inFIG. 3]. The second bracket 72 is adapted to receive a second plate 76 b[shown in FIG. 3]. The term “plate” is understood to include any numberof structures characterized by a generally smooth generally flatgenerally thin piece of material. The first plate 76 a and the secondplate 76 b may include a written message for display for those passingby the mailbox 24. For example, the first plate 76 a and the secondplate 76 b may wish those passing by a “Merry Christmas,” inform thosepassing by of a birthday party being held inside the residence [notshown], or indicate that a pizza [not shown] or other delivery productis to be delivered to the residence. The first plate 76 a and the secondplate 76 b are message delivery means. The first plate 76 a and thesecond plate 76 b are removeably connected to their respective brackets.The first plate 76 a and the second plate 76 b are operatively connectedto the housing 20. The first plate 76 a and the second plate 76 b areslidably connected to the housing 20. The term “operatively connected”is understood to include a linking together of the portions underconsideration and may include a physical engagement and/or a functionalor operational connection. The first plate 76 a and the second plate 76b are display panels.

The first bracket 68 defines a first slot 80. The term “slot” isunderstood to include any number of structures characterized by agenerally narrow opening or groove. The second bracket 72 defines asecond slot 84. It will be appreciated that the first plate 76 a isprovided in the first slot 80. It will be appreciated that the secondplate 76 b is provided in the second slot 84. The first plate 76 a andthe second plate 76 b may display a message, such as for example apreferred text or preferred illustration.

The first bracket 68 defines a first display area 88. The second bracket72 defines a second display area 92. The term “display area” isunderstood to include any number of structures, space or meanscharacterized by an extent of space or surface serving the function ofshowing, exhibiting, putting or spreading some content for viewing. Itwill be noted that the first display area 88 is adapted to accommodatethe first plate 76 a. It will be noted that the second display area 92is adapted to accommodate the second plate 76 b. The first display area88 is provided along a first side 96 of the housing 20 of the displaysystem 16. The second display area 92 is provided along a second side100 of the housing 20 of the display system 16.

The first display area 88 and the second display area 92 may begenerally transparent. The term “transparent” is understood to includethe property of allowing some amount of light to pass through therethrough with comparatively little interruption or distortion so thatobjects or messages on the other side can be seen. For example, if thefirst display area 88 and the second display area 92 display a messagethereon, the message would be visible. Likewise, if the first plate 76 aand the second plate 76 b include a message thereon, the message wouldalso be visible.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first light source104 and a second light source 108. The first light source 104 and thesecond light source 108 may be any suitable light source, including butnot limited a suitable incandescent light bulb, liquid crystal display,light-emitting diode, or other suitable photo-electronic component. Thefirst light source 104 and the second light source 108 are provided toilluminate the first display area 88 and the second display area 92,respectively. The first light source 104 and the second light source 108may be employed together or separately. Any suitable number of lightsources may be employed.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first reflector 112and a second reflector 116. The first reflector 112 and the secondreflector 116 are provided to magnify the effect of the first lightsource 104 and the second light source 108, respectively. It will benoted that the first reflector 112 and the second reflector 116 aregenerally parabolic members. A bearing 120 may be provided to supportpart or all of the weight of the first reflector 112 and the secondreflector 116. The illustrated bearing 120 is secured to the bottom wall44 of the housing 20.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first circuit board124 and a second circuit board 128. The term “circuit board” isunderstood to include any number of structures characterized by a board,on one or both sides of which the components and connections of anelectronic circuit are located. The illustrated first circuit board 124and the second circuit board 128 are shown positioned above the firstreflector 112 and the second reflector 116, respectively.

The illustrated display system 16 further includes a first power storage132 and a second power storage 136. The term “power storage” isunderstood to include any number of structures for the preservation,later use, or disposal of energy—including but not limited to chemicalor electrical energy. The first power storage 132 and the second powerstorage 136 may include, or may be, rechargeable batteries. The firstpower storage 132 and the second power storage 136 may be operativelyconnected to the solar panels 32 a,b. The first power storage 132 andthe second power storage 136 may be operatively connected to the firstlight source 104 and the second light source 108. The first powerstorage 132 and the second power storage 136 may be operativelyconnected to the first circuit board 124 and the second circuit board128. A third reflector 140 and fourth reflector 144 may also be employedto magnify the effect of the first light source 104 and the second lightsource 108.

A remote control 150 may also be employed (see FIG. 4 a). The remotecontrol 150 may be operatively connected to the display system 16 in anysuitable fashion. The remote control 150 may be a wireless device. Theremote control 150 may be employed to activate or deactivate one or moreof the first light source 104 and/or the second light source 108 and/orthe alert light 40. The remote control 150 may be employed to activateor deactivate any other suitable portion of the invention. An antennae152 may be included to receive a signal to selectively control or directone or more components of the invention. The antennae 152 may be anysuitable antennae, such as for example flexible, wire, hard steel, orthe like.

FIG. 9 shows a slanted two-plate embodiment. The two-plate embodimentuses components and features similar to other embodiments of theinvention as otherwise described or made clear by the context. Thehousing 220 of includes a first bracket 268 and a second bracket 272.The first bracket 268 and the second bracket 272 are positioned onopposing sides of the housing 220. The first bracket 268 includes a toparm 268 a and a bottom arm 268 b. The second bracket 272 includes a toparm 272 a and a bottom arm 272 b.

The first bracket 268 is adapted to receive a first outer plate 276 aand a first inner plate 277 a. The second bracket 272 is adapted toreceive a second outer plate 276 b and a second inner plate 277 b. Thefirst outer plate 276 a and the second outer plate 276 b may include awritten message or content for display. The first outer plate 276 a andthe second outer plate 276 b may include color or decorative content.The first inner plate 277 a and the second inner plate 277 b maylikewise include a written message or content, and/or color ordecorative content. The first inner plate 277 a and the second innerplate 277 b may display a message, such as for example a preferred textor preferred illustration. The plates may be positioned on an angle asshown or may also be positioned generally along a suitable verticalaxis.

The first outer plate 276 a and the second outer plate 276 b may bemessage delivery means. The first inner plate 277 a and the second innerplate 277 b may also be message delivery means. The first outer plate276 a, the second outer plate 276 b, the first inner plate 277 a and thesecond inner plate 277 b are removeably connected to their respectivebrackets. The first outer plate 276 a, the second outer plate 276 b, thefirst inner plate 277 a and the second inner plate 277 b are operativelyconnected to the housing 220. The first outer plate 276 a, the secondouter plate 276 b, the first inner plate 277 a and the second innerplate 277 b are slidably connected to the housing 220. The first outerplate 276 a, the second outer plate 276 b, the first inner plate 277 aand the second inner plate 277 b are display panels and may display amessage, such as for example a preferred text, content or preferredillustration.

The first bracket 268 defines a first slot 280. The second bracket 272defines a second slot 284. It will be appreciated that the second innerplate 277 b and the second outer plate 276 b are provided in the secondslot 284. It will be appreciated that the first plate 276 a is providedin the first slot 280. The first plate 276 a and the second plate 276 bmay display a message, such as for example a preferred text or preferredillustration.

The first bracket 268 defines a first display area 288. The secondbracket 272 defines a second display area 292. It will be noted that thefirst display area 288 is adapted to accommodate the first inner plate277 a and the first outer plate 276 a. It will be noted that the seconddisplay area 292 is adapted to accommodate the second inner plate 277 band the second outer plate 276 b. The first display area 288 is providedalong a first side 296 of the housing 220. The second display area 292is provided along a second side 300 of the housing 220.

The first display area 288 and the second display area 292 may begenerally transparent. For example, if the first display area 288 andthe second display area 292 include a message or other content ordecoration thereon, the message or other content or decoration would bevisible. Likewise, if the first outer plate 276 a, the second outerplate 276 b, the first inner plate 277 a and the second inner plate 277b include a message or other content or decoration thereon, the messageor other content or decoration would also be visible.

A first light source 304 and a second light source 308 may also beprovided as shown. The first light source 304 and the second lightsource 308 may be any suitable light source, including but not limited asuitable incandescent light bulb, liquid crystal display, light-emittingdiode, or other suitable photo-electronic component. The first lightsource 304 and the second light source 308 are provided to illuminatethe first display area 288 and the second display area 292,respectively. The first light source 304 and the second light source 308may be employed together or separately. Any suitable number of lightsources may be employed.

A first reflector 312 and a second reflector 316 may also be provided asshown. The first reflector 312 and the second reflector 316 are providedto magnify the effect of the first light source 304 and the second lightsource 308, respectively. It will be noted that the first reflector 312and the second reflector 316 are generally parabolic members. A bearing320 may be provided to support part or all of the weight of the firstreflector 112 and the second reflector 116. The illustrated bearing 320is secured to the bottom wall 244 of the housing 220.

The schematic representations in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are prior artschematics that may be employed with the invention. The directionalnature of the arrows are not limitations on the invention. Referring nowto FIG. 10, a prior art circuit schematic is shown for use with thepresent invention. The circuit schematic may be employed for a blinkinglamp to be powered be either house current, batteries, or solar chargedbatteries. The circuit schematic may include a timer to turn blinkinglight off after a period of time to preserve batteries where theblinking light would fulfill its functionality after a relatively shortperiod of time. A control circuit 40 may be provided with the base, lampand lamp housing arrangement for automatic and/or remote control of thesystem. First, the lamp 13 can receive power from a household or abuilding power supply 42 as is conventionally available. The lamp 13 mayinclude the first light sources 104, 304 and the second light sources108, 308 or any other suitable light source. Alternatively, the powersource 42 may comprise solar cells or rechargeable batteries which areremovable for recharging by a remote recharger or rechargeable in placeby conventional or solar means. The power source 42 may include thefirst power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 (see FIG. 8) orany other suitable power storage.

The lamps 13 may be controlled by a control means 41 which can operateone or more electrical components for different types of control. Thecontrol means 41 may include the remote control 150 or any othersuitable controller. A conventional flasher may be provided to cause thelamps 13 to flash for signaling emergency vehicles, deliveries, ornighttime visitors. The flasher 43 may be operated directly through thecontrol means 41 or via a remote control system 46 comprising atransmitter 45 located remotely from the control means and a receiver 47connected thereto. The flasher 43 may include the alert light 40 or anyother suitable flasher or alert light.

Remote operation of the transmitter 45 can then signal the control meansand flasher to flash the lamps 13 when desired. The transmitter 45 mayinclude the remote control 150 or any other suitable transmitter orcontroller. The circuit can also include a photocell 49 such that thelamps 13 operate during nighttime hours. Alternatively, a timer 51 canbe provided to turn the lamps 13 on and off at desired intervals.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a prior art circuit schematic is shown for usewith the present invention. The circuit schematic is a battery chargingcircuit that may be employed for use with a version that uses solarpower. In the daylight hours, the solar panels 30 receive sunlight sothat output 37 increases in voltage. The solar panels 30 may include thetwo solar panels 32 a,b on a top wall 36 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 2).When the output 37 increases above a desired level, the output sensinglogic 34 electrically activates the solenoid driver 35. The solenoiddriver 35 then triggers the solenoid 36, which electrically uncouplesthe rechargeable battery 32 from the light display 27, and electricallyconnects the output 37 of the solar panels 30 to the rechargeablebattery 32. The rechargeable battery 32 may include the first powerstorage 132 and the second power storage 136 (see FIG. 8). As a result,the output 37 from the solar panels 30 charges the rechargeable battery32 in stored capacity for future illumination or other functionality.

After sunset, when the output 37 of the solar panels 30 decreases involtage below a desired level, the output sensing logic 34 electricallydeactivates the solenoid driver 35. In addition, the solenoid driver 35deactivates the solenoid 36. After being deactivated the solenoid 36electrically disconnects the output 37 of the solar panels 30 from therechargeable battery 32 and electrically connects the rechargeablebattery 32 to the light display 27. As a result, the rechargeablebattery 32 illuminates the light display 27 for viewing of my improvedsolar powered mailbox illuminating system on opposite sides of themailbox. The circuits shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 may be used alone,not at all, or in conjunction with each other.

In use, the remote control 150 may be employed to activate the firstlight source 104 and the second light source 108 to signal a passerbylooking for the residence which employs the display system 16. Likewise,the remote control 150 may be employed to activate the alert light 40.For example, if the user in the residence using the display system 16 isaware that a passerby is coming to the residence or is lost on theroadway, the alert light 40, the first light source 104, and/or thesecond light source 108 may be turned on or turned to a blinking mode toalert the passerby that the desired residence is close by. This blinkingor activation feature would improve the chances of a driver finding arural location at night delivering a pizza if the driver was informed tolook for a blinking light. The display panel is adapted to cooperatewith the display area.

The solar panels 32 a,b serve to charge the first power storage 132 andthe second power storage 136. Any suitable number of solar panels orpower storage units may be employed. The solar panels 32 a,b and/orfirst power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 serve to powerthe first light source 104 and the second light source 108, therebyallowing for illumination of the first display area 88 and the seconddisplay area 92. The solar panels 32 a,b and/or first power storage 132and the second power storage 136 serve to enhance viewing of the firstplate 76 a and the second plate 76 b. The solar panels 32 a,b and/orfirst power storage 132 and the second power storage 136 serve to powerthe alert light 40. The embodiments as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9operate similarly.

The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of transparent plates todisplay various messages. An electronic message board may be used inaddition to or instead of the plates. The display areas, lights,messages, and plates may be controlled remotely or manually as desired.The display areas, lights, messages, and plates may be adapted todisplay various messages and designs to signify events such as holidays,seasons, special occasions, and the like. A timer may be employed toselectively turn on or off the light sources or alert light at anadjustable time interval. The timer will relieve the user from having tooperate, such as for example turn on or turn off, one or more parts ofthe invention based upon the location and/or view of the passerby. Oneor more suitable generally watertight seals may be placed around exposedportions of the display areas to prevent water wear or other aging ofthe structures employed with the invention.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 include the first outer plate 276 a andthe first inner plate 277 a oriented on an acute angle. The second innerplate 277 b and the second outer plate 276 b are likewise oriented on anacute angle. It should be understood that the plates disclosed with thepresent invention may be oriented on any suitable and or may bepositioned in a generally vertical orientation. The plates may also beslidably engaged with the housing in a horizontal, vertical, or slantedfashion.

In use, the mailbox 24 may be positioned so the display system 16 on themailbox 24 is readily observable from one or more roadways adjacent tothe mailbox 24. The first plate 76 a and the second plate 76 b arepreferably of sufficient size to allow the content on the first plate 76a and the second plate 76 b to be readily observable by persons on theroadways.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have beendescribed in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted thatthis invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyillustrated and described without departing from its scope.

1. A display system for use with a mailbox comprising: a housing havinga display area; a display panel operatively connected to the displayarea; and a light source to illuminate the display area, wherein thehousing is operatively connected to the mailbox.
 2. The display systemof claim 1 further comprising a power storage operatively connected tothe light source.
 3. The display system of claim 2 further comprising asolar panel operatively connected to the power storage.
 4. The displaysystem of claim 1 wherein the display panel is a plate operativelyconnected to the housing.
 5. The display system of claim 4 wherein thedisplay panel is slidably connected to the housing
 6. The display systemof claim 1 further comprising a reflector.
 7. The display system ofclaim 1 further comprising an alert light.
 8. The display system ofclaim 1 further comprising a remote control operatively connected to thelight source.
 9. The display system of claim 8 further comprising analert light, wherein the alert light is operated by the remote control.10. The display system of claim 1 wherein the display panel is orientedon a slant.
 11. A method of displaying a message comprising: providing adisplay system on a housing secured to a mailbox; and providing adisplay panel operatively connected to the display system, wherein thedisplay panel displays the message.
 12. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising positioning the display system adjacent to a roadway.
 13. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising providing a remote controloperatively connected to the display system.
 14. The method of claim 11further comprising providing a solar panel to provide power tofacilitate illumination to the display panel.
 15. The method of claim111 further comprising providing a light source to illuminate to thedisplay panel.
 16. A display system for use with a mailbox comprising: ahousing having a display area; a first display panel operativelyconnected to the display area; a second display panel operativelyconnected to the display area; and a light source to illuminate thedisplay area, wherein the housing is operatively connected to themailbox.
 17. The display system of claim 16 wherein the first displaypanel and the second display panel are positioned on a slant.
 18. Thedisplay system of claim 16 further comprising a bracket adapted toreceive the first display panel.
 19. The display system of claim 16further comprising a reflector to magnify the effect of the lightsource.
 20. The display system of claim 16 further comprising a solarpanel operatively connected to the light source.